Ladakh is home to numerous monasteries. In fact it is for this very reason, Ladakh is often termed as the Land of the Lama and each year these monasteries come alive to celebrate their respective Monastic Festivals.

These Monastic Festivals not only represent the cultural, historic and religious side of Ladakh that is often hidden from a brief visitor but also give an opportunity to the locals to unwind from their harsh lives at this unforgiving land and pay their homage to the local deities and Buddha. Add to that, Ladakhis are very playful and cheerful people, who love to celebrate, even in the dead of winter, when the temperatures drop to as low as -30 degree Celsius!

Here is the 2013 Monastic Festival Calendar for some the main monasteries of Ladakh, where you too can be a part of the celebrations and enjoy the rich and ancient culture of Ladakh.